Kamal Ghorui
Mukesh Khanna continues to stay relevant in public discourse, largely due to the enduring popularity of his superhero avatar in Shaktimaan. Adding to the conversation, veteran actor Surendra Pal, who shared screen space with him in both Shaktimaan and Mahabharat, recently reflected on their bond and professional journey together.In an interview with Sidharth Kannan, Surendra spoke warmly about Mukesh, saying, “My friendship with Mukesh has been very strong, in fact it still is. We have always shared a cordial relationship. I respect him deeply and hold him in very high regard. The role of Bhishma Pitamah that he portrayed was so beautiful that I think nobody else could have done it the way he did. He is a very natural actor and works with great passion.”Recalling how he landed the role of the iconic villain Tamraj Kilvish, Surendra revealed that he had actively sought it. “I told him to give me the villain’s role. He said no, only one specific person can do this role. I asked who, and he said Amrish Puri. I said fine, but I knew Amrish Puri would not do it because he was very busy with films. In television, you need a full-time commitment; you cannot work the way you do in films.”When he later discovered the role was still unfilled, he approached Mukesh again. “When I found out that the villain’s role in Shaktimaan was still vacant, I went to his office again and said, give me this role. He asked what I would do with it. I told him, first give it to me, then I will show you.”Surendra also shed light on the intense preparation that went into shaping Tamraj Kilvish. “I started thinking deeply about the character. Mukesh ji suggested that I use a nose extension, and he also said that I had to break away from my image of Dronacharya. We decided to completely transform it. I wore a curly-haired wig, changed my eyebrows, changed my eyes, and even altered my teeth. It was difficult to paint them and apply gum there. While speaking, I could even taste the colour. I wore long artificial nails. It was all very difficult.”He went on to praise Mukesh Khanna’s portrayal of Bhishma Pitamah in Mahabharat, noting, “He played the elderly role of Bhishma Pitamah, but added so many variations. He performed it exceptionally well.” He further added, “With Shaktimaan, he broke away from the image of Bhishma Pitamah and added humour to the character. He became a children’s favourite. That only shows the range he has as an actor.”Addressing rumours of any rift between them, Surendra dismissed such claims. “He is a wonderful man and a wonderful actor. I left the role of Kilvish because I used to shoot inside caves where torches were burning, and there was always smoke everywhere. I also had to wear heavy padding to appear fat. It became very hectic because of the heat and I used to sweat a lot. After a point, it was not possible for me to continue. It wasn’t about money; sometimes your health takes a toll. I wanted to look after my health.” He further clarified, “There was never any ego problem between us. Both our characters were equally significant and still remembered in public memory. And we were both equally dedicated actors. In fact, during work, there were never any ego issues between us.”Surendra Pal also weighed in on Mukesh Khanna’s recent remarks about casting for Shaktimaan, particularly his reservations about Ranveer Singh stepping into the iconic role. Backing Mukesh’s stance, Surendra said, “He is the best judge; it is his creation. He will naturally want the best for his character, which he treats like his own child even today. That is why he will not compromise. He is very stubborn.”At the same time, he shared his own viewpoint, expressing confidence in Ranveer’s suitability. He said, “Ranveer Singh is not a bad choice. I really like him, and after watching Dhurandhar, I have become an even bigger fan. I feel he could be ideal for the role. I think Mukesh ji should reconsider and broaden his thinking a little.”
